Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

Every summer, Zoo Check hears from tourists approached by photographers offering to take their photograph with animals ranging from lion cubs and monkeys, to bears and even alligators.

A popular souvenir in many resorts around the world, the use of wild animals for tourists’ photos can have a serious impact on the welfare of the animals involved.  Repeated handling by humans is very stressful to wild animals, and in most cases the animal will have been removed from its mother at a very early age.  Their future welfare is often uncertain, and when they are no longer charismatic or easy to handle, these animals often end up in slum zoos, circuses or even being killed.

Potentially dangerous animals such as lion cubs are routinely drugged, and have claws and teeth removed to protect human participants.  Animals can even have their mouths wired shut and be chained so tightly they can barely move.  Despite these precautions, there are considerable risks to people.  In 2008 a young girl was tragically killed by a tiger she was being photographed with in China.  It is thought the animal was startled by the camera’s flash.  Participants are also at risk of contracting many serious diseases when handling wild animals.

Born Free urges tour operators to ensure customers are aware of the issues surrounding these ‘souvenirs’.  To protect both the health and safety of customers and the welfare of captive wild animals, please do not to promote or encourage this use of wild animals.  Remain vigilant and if you witness such wild animal exploitation in resorts, hotels or restaurants please report it to Born Free.  

The use of wild animals for tourist photos is currently popular in the following destinations: Thailand, Mexico, Spain, Bulgaria, Morocco, Russia, Romania, India and Sri Lanka

Download Born Free’s fact sheet on the use of wild animals as photographic props here 

See also the latest update on the subject of photo props

The UK travel industry, through the Federation of Tour Operators, has responded to Born Free’s request for action to end this animal abuse and tour operators are now encouraged to put a stop to the use of wild animals as photographic props in hotel resorts and excursions frequented by their customers.

"The Federation of Tour Operators, in consultation with the Born Free Foundation, has developed a Preferred Code of Practice for Animal attractions in which the practice of using animals for photographic props is strongly discouraged on animal welfare grounds.  Thomas Cook participated fully in the development of this Code of Practice and are working towards phasing out these practices."
 
Nancy Brock
Responsible Business Manager